Well-designed spaces can transform how residents interact with their environment, improve access to essential services, and foster a sense of community. This article explores how architects contribute to community development through sustainable mixed-use developments, emphasising their role in creating vibrant, connected neighbourhoods that respond to local needs. 

Effective risk management is crucial in affordable housing developments, where constraints on budget and time are often exacerbated by potential risks. Managing these risks not only ensures the timely delivery of projects but also safeguards their long-term sustainability and resilience. iB Architects employs a comprehensive approach to risk management, focusing on identifying potential issues before they become significant problems (preventative planning), this includes detailed analyses of site conditions, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder collaboration to mitigate potential risks (Smith, 2023).   

In a recent roundtable hosted by iB Architects, experts explored the complex relationship between Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policies and the UK's ambitious housing targets. With Angela Rayner setting a goal of 1.5 million new homes, the discussion addressed whether BNG requirements might impede this aim. Participants shared insights on a range of factors impacting development, from Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and their varied approaches to the constraints imposed by BNG itself. The debate highlighted key challenges and opportunities, touching on land availability, policy inconsistencies, and the financial implications of BNG credits.

As housing affordability remains a pressing issue across the UK, innovative solutions are available to address the challenge of providing high-quality, affordable homes. Recent advances in construction methods and design technologies are paving the way for more cost-effective housing solutions without compromising on quality. This article explores how modular housing, prefabrication, and the use of low-cost sustainable materials are transforming the affordable housing landscape.  

As housing demands escalate and environmental concerns intensify, the relationship between sustainability and affordability is increasingly critical. The quest for housing solutions that do not compromise on ecological responsibility while remaining financially accessible is driving innovative approaches in architecture and design. This article explores how the balance between these two factors is being achieved, highlighting materials, technologies, and design strategies that make sustainable homes affordable. 

Community-centric design has emerged as a pivotal approach in modern architecture, focusing on enhancing residents’ quality of life through well-thought-out spaces that promote social interaction and community engagement. This article looks at how designing spaces with community in mind can transform living environments, using examples of co-housing and mixed-use developments that foster stronger social ties and improve overall well-being. 

In the evolving landscape of housing development, local expertise has become increasingly crucial for ensuring project success. This expertise includes a deep understanding of regional architectural vernacular, compliance with local policies, and active engagement with the community. Integrating local knowledge not only enhances design quality but also improves project execution. This article explores how local expertise contributes to successful housing projects in the UK, highlighting key perspectives taken from iB Architects project, Windmill Court in Berkshire. 

In the quest to meet the UK's burgeoning housing demands, factory-built homes, also known as modular or modern methods of construction (MMC), present a promising solution. According to Talo, a leading MMC provider, these methods could transform UK construction and eradicate fuel poverty. Their innovative approach and robust technology might just be the key to addressing the nation’s housing crisis.

Talo’s MMC system exceeds PassivHaus standards with a fabric-first approach, minimising the need for additional technologies. Their background in building oil rigs in the North Sea—a challenging environment—has given them a unique perspective on construction efficiency and durability. While an oil rig takes eight months to build, houses in the UK take much longer, a discrepancy Talo aims to address.

Class Q permitted development rights in England provide a streamlined process for converting agricultural buildings into residential dwellings without the need for a full planning application. Introduced as part of the broader Permitted Development Rights (PDR) regime, Class Q aims to support rural development by facilitating the reuse of redundant or underutilised agricultural buildings. However, while the rights simplify the process, achieving the best outcomes requires careful consideration of design and the existing building's character.

Sound is an omnipresent aspect of our lives, influencing our health and well-being. A recent seminar presentation by KP Acoustics shed light on the complexities surrounding acoustic failures within existing buildings and their refurbishment. As we navigate through the intricate world of acoustics, this article will explore key insights from the presentation, addressing the impact of noise on human tolerance, the vulnerabilities in building structures, and the imperative need for a holistic approach in refurbishment projects.

In an era defined by climate urgency, the retrofit revolution stands as a pivotal moment in our collective fight against carbon emissions. As we inch closer to ambitious net zero goals, the spotlight is fixed on our built environment. How can we transform existing structures to meet modern energy efficiency standards without sacrificing practicality, aesthetics, or economic feasibility? Our recent roundtable discussion, held at the fabulous retrofit example that is Thames Lido in Reading, collected a cross-section of industry experts and grappled with this pressing question - shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

In December we attended a CPD seminar hosted at the RIBA and presented by Unilin who outlined that the urgency to address climate change has propelled the building industry towards reevaluating energy targets and to account for environmental impact. Unilin's seminar presentation on their ECO360 range, specifically focused on achieving net-zero with PIR insulation derived from rapeseed oil, and offered valuable insights into how the industry is tackling the climate challenge. This article explores key takeaways from the presentation, including advancements in material sustainability, evolving energy standards, and the importance of holistic environmental accounting.

In the ever-evolving landscape of building safety, the need for stringent measures to protect lives and property has become increasingly apparent. The recent Building Safety Act has brought forward a crucial requirement, mandating the use of intumescent linings within escape routes of buildings. This article explores the role of intumescent linings and the impact on fire safety in buildings.

In the realm of Passivhaus design, achieving optimal ventilation is not just a luxury but a fundamental necessity. In two insightful seminars featuring experts Andrew Clapton of Total Home Environment and Paul McGurk of the Green Building Store, the critical role of ventilation in Passivhaus construction emerged as a cornerstone for both energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

In the realm of sustainable architecture, retrofitting has emerged as a potent tool to transform existing homes into energy-efficient havens. Drawing wisdom from two seminars featuring Alan Budden of Eco Design Consultants and Dave Judd of Ecological Building Systems, this article explores the integration of Passivhaus principles into retrofit projects, paving the way for improved energy efficiency, comfort, and environmental impact.

In the pursuit of sustainable living, Passivhaus has emerged as a beacon of energy-efficient construction, providing a blueprint for homes that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable. Through insights gathered from seminars at the National Self-build Centre’s Passivhaus workshop, this article delves into the key principles of Passivhaus design and how they are reshaping the landscape of modern architecture.

If you own a redundant building on your land, you may be wondering about the possibility of repurposing it for a different use. In this article, we will explore the potential of adaptive reuse, the benefits it offers, and the key considerations for successfully transforming an existing structure into a new and exciting space.

Repurposing a redundant building presents a unique opportunity to breathe new life into existing structures, but it also comes with planning and regulatory challenges. In this article, we will explore the critical planning permission and regulatory considerations architects and developers need to be aware of before embarking on a building repurposing project.

As a part of the RIBA Photo Festival 2023, the Royal Institute of British Architects hosted a photography contest, with hundreds of entries received of photographs taken from around the world…

We are pleased to share that Ian’s entry ‘Kennet and Avon Canal’ was selected as one of just 10 shortlisted entries by the esteemed panel of judges (RIBA President Muyiwa Oki, photographer Richard Bryant HonFRIBA, and RIBA Photographs Curator Valeria Carullo).

In the pursuit of creating sustainable living spaces, retrofitting existing homes for airtightness has emerged as a crucial step toward energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Paul Jennings, a leading expert from ALDAS, shed light on the significance of this endeavour during a seminar at the National Self-build Centre's Eco Workshop on Saturday, 11 November 2023. This article explores the key insights shared during the seminar and delves into the principles, benefits, and products associated with retrofitting buildings for airtightness.